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Michigan Pesticide Applicator — Requirements & Free Practice

US-MI · License preparation

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Certified Private Pesticide Applicator

Certification for restricted-use pesticides used for private agricultural production. A temporary proof-of-certification packet is evidence of this same certification pending receipt of the card.

Licensing authority: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development · Application information

Add aerial to an existing private certification
Aerial Standard Examination (practice unavailable)
Aerial qualification
For aerial application, MCL 324.8315(1) also requires the specified prior aerial experience, pre-December 27, 1988 qualifying license, or recognized training.
Application
Submit the certification application marked adding a category/standard, supply the certification number, pay the applicable certification fee, and pass the corresponding examination.
Existing credential
Hold current private certification; this pathway adds the specifically identified category or method.
Expiry
The replacement credential retains the existing expiration date.
Add fumigation to an existing private certification
Fumigation Standard Examination (practice unavailable)
Aerial qualification
Apply only in the category or method added.
Application
Submit the certification application marked adding a category/standard, supply the certification number, pay the applicable certification fee, and pass the corresponding examination.
Existing credential
Hold current private certification; this pathway adds the specifically identified category or method.
Expiry
The replacement credential retains the existing expiration date.
Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — aerial

All of the following:

Aerial qualification
Under MCL 324.8315(1), meet one of: three years and at least 200 hours of supervised agricultural aerial experience; qualifying commercial aerial licensure before December 27, 1988; or successful completion of a director-recognized aerial training program.
Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
Applicants performing aerial applications; every listed method standard is required.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — aerial and fumigation

All of the following:

Aerial qualification
Under MCL 324.8315(1), meet one of: three years and at least 200 hours of supervised agricultural aerial experience; qualifying commercial aerial licensure before December 27, 1988; or successful completion of a director-recognized aerial training program.
Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
Applicants performing aerial and fumigation applications; every listed method standard is required.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — fumigation

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
Applicants performing fumigation applications; every listed method standard is required.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — ground applications without fumigation
Michigan Pesticide Applicator — Private General Standard Exam (PRIVATE CORE)
Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
No aerial or fumigant applications.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Initial certification by reciprocal recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a copy of the originating credential, the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application, and the prescribed Michigan fee.
Discretion
Reciprocal certification may be granted by MDARD; the current Michigan source expressly states without examination.
Residence and existing credential
Must reside in and hold the originating certification from a state covered by Michigan's reciprocal certification agreement, as identified in the Michigan MDARD FAQ. No other jurisdiction's credential or law was researched.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after the one year renewal window — Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — aerial

All of the following:

Aerial qualification
Under MCL 324.8315(1), meet one of: three years and at least 200 hours of supervised agricultural aerial experience; qualifying commercial aerial licensure before December 27, 1988; or successful completion of a director-recognized aerial training program.
Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
Applicants performing aerial applications; every listed method standard is required.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Lapse
Credential remained unrenewed for more than one year after expiration; MDARD requires restarting the initial certification process.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Reapplication after the one year renewal window — Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — aerial and fumigation

All of the following:

Aerial qualification
Under MCL 324.8315(1), meet one of: three years and at least 200 hours of supervised agricultural aerial experience; qualifying commercial aerial licensure before December 27, 1988; or successful completion of a director-recognized aerial training program.
Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
Applicants performing aerial and fumigation applications; every listed method standard is required.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Lapse
Credential remained unrenewed for more than one year after expiration; MDARD requires restarting the initial certification process.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Reapplication after the one year renewal window — Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — fumigation

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
Applicants performing fumigation applications; every listed method standard is required.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Lapse
Credential remained unrenewed for more than one year after expiration; MDARD requires restarting the initial certification process.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Reapplication after the one year renewal window — Initial certification by examination — private agricultural applicant — ground applications without fumigation
Michigan Pesticide Applicator — Private General Standard Exam (PRIVATE CORE)
Age
At least 18 years old under MDARD instructions.
Agricultural purpose
Own or employer-owned/rented land, or another producer's property without compensation other than an exchange of personal services.
Application
Submit the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and $50; honorably discharged veterans may claim the statutory fee exemption.
Application method
No aerial or fumigant applications.
Application window
Application and fee are void after six months under R 285.636.2; MDARD accepts passing initial examination scores for one year.
Language
The referenced current core version is the English examination introduced August 1, 2026; the June 2026 MSU notice describes a separate forthcoming Spanish update without a stated implementation date.
Lapse
Credential remained unrenewed for more than one year after expiration; MDARD requires restarting the initial certification process.
Temporary proof
Pending receipt of the card, carry the submitted application, passing scores, and proof that the certification fee was validated.
Renewal or recertification — private — aerial

All of the following:

Aerial cycle
MCL 324.8315(2) permits a recognized aircraft-specific flight efficiency clinic instead of retaking certification examinations and inspection, once every three years, for authorized aerial applicators.
Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable $50 private or $75 commercial fee.
Exam or credits
Private core: 16 timely earned seminar credits may replace the exam. Commercial core and each applicable category: eight credits may replace each applicable exam. Each aerial or fumigation standard: two credits may replace its exam. Credits must be earned before expiration, and do not carry forward.
Existing credential
Renew the existing private certification with the listed application methods.
Renewal window
Renewal begins with MDARD's October packet, and lasts one year after expiration; an applicant still unrenewed after that year restarts the initial-certification process. Renewal exam scores are accepted during the renewal period.
Scope
Renew only the categories and methods on the credential; adding a new category or standard requires its applicable examination.
Renewal or recertification — private — aerial and fumigation

All of the following:

Aerial cycle
MCL 324.8315(2) permits a recognized aircraft-specific flight efficiency clinic instead of retaking certification examinations and inspection, once every three years, for authorized aerial applicators.
Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable $50 private or $75 commercial fee.
Exam or credits
Private core: 16 timely earned seminar credits may replace the exam. Commercial core and each applicable category: eight credits may replace each applicable exam. Each aerial or fumigation standard: two credits may replace its exam. Credits must be earned before expiration, and do not carry forward.
Existing credential
Renew the existing private certification with the listed application methods.
Renewal window
Renewal begins with MDARD's October packet, and lasts one year after expiration; an applicant still unrenewed after that year restarts the initial-certification process. Renewal exam scores are accepted during the renewal period.
Scope
Renew only the categories and methods on the credential; adding a new category or standard requires its applicable examination.
Renewal or recertification — private — fumigation

All of the following:

Aerial cycle
No aerial applications are authorized by this route.
Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable $50 private or $75 commercial fee.
Exam or credits
Private core: 16 timely earned seminar credits may replace the exam. Commercial core and each applicable category: eight credits may replace each applicable exam. Each aerial or fumigation standard: two credits may replace its exam. Credits must be earned before expiration, and do not carry forward.
Existing credential
Renew the existing private certification with the listed application methods.
Renewal window
Renewal begins with MDARD's October packet, and lasts one year after expiration; an applicant still unrenewed after that year restarts the initial-certification process. Renewal exam scores are accepted during the renewal period.
Scope
Renew only the categories and methods on the credential; adding a new category or standard requires its applicable examination.
Renewal or recertification — private — ground, nonfumigant
Michigan Pesticide Applicator — Private General Standard Exam (PRIVATE CORE)
Aerial cycle
No aerial applications are authorized by this route.
Application
Submit the renewal application and the applicable $50 private or $75 commercial fee.
Exam or credits
Private core: 16 timely earned seminar credits may replace the exam. Commercial core and each applicable category: eight credits may replace each applicable exam. Each aerial or fumigation standard: two credits may replace its exam. Credits must be earned before expiration, and do not carry forward.
Existing credential
Renew the existing private certification with the listed application methods.
Renewal window
Renewal begins with MDARD's October packet, and lasts one year after expiration; an applicant still unrenewed after that year restarts the initial-certification process. Renewal exam scores are accepted during the renewal period.
Scope
Renew only the categories and methods on the credential; adding a new category or standard requires its applicable examination.
Renewal by reciprocal recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Indicate reciprocal renewal on the renewal application, originating state and expiration date, and submit the prescribed application and fee.
Eligibility
Resident of a state named in Michigan's reciprocal agreements with a current certification in that state.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Aerial Standard Examination

Provider
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Format
Closed-book true/false and multiple-choice questions
Passing score
70 percent
Examination outline
  • Aerial applicators
    • (i) Aerial applicators. Applicators who apply pesticides by aircraft shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the techniques of aerial application and applicable federal aviation administration regulations. Practical knowledge is required concerning nontarget injury that may result from the aerial application of pesticides.
Examination sources

Fumigation Standard Examination

Provider
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Format
Closed-book true/false and multiple-choice questions
Passing score
70 percent
Examination outline
  • Fumigation
    • (ii) Fumigation. Applicators shall demonstrate a practical knowledge of the principles and methods of fumigation. Practical knowledge is required concerning all of the following: (A) Toxicity. (B) The potential for environmental contamination. (C) Applicator personal protection. (D) Human exposure. (E) Nontarget injury that may result from the use of pesticide gases in any environment.
Examination sources

Michigan Pesticide Applicator — Private General Standard Exam (PRIVATE CORE)

Provider
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Format
Closed-book true/false and multiple-choice questions
Passing score
70 percent
Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Pest Management
    • Pest recognition, control methods, IPM, thresholds, and resistance
  • Pesticide Laws and Regulations
    • Federal pesticide registration, lawful use, residues, worker protection, and protected species
  • Pesticide Labeling
    • Label interpretation, required statements, classifications, and use directions
  • Pesticide Formulations
    • Liquid, dry, specialty formulations, mixtures, and adjuvants
  • Pesticide Hazards and First Aid
    • Toxicity, exposure routes, symptoms, first response, and heat stress
  • Personal Protective Equipment
    • Selection, use, fit, cleaning, maintenance, and disposal of PPE
  • Pesticides in the Environment
    • Environmental fate, drift, water protection, and nontarget organisms
  • Transportation, Storage, and Security
    • Safe transport, storage-site design, inventory, and security
  • Emergency or Incident Response
    • Emergency planning, pesticide fires, and spill response
  • Planning the Pesticide Application
    • Product selection, compatibility, mixing, loading, containers, and cleanup
  • Pesticide Application Procedures
    • Application methods, safety systems, equipment, calibration, calculations, and drift reduction
  • Michigan Private Applicator Responsibilities
    • Private-use scope, certification authority, supervision, equipment, sensitive areas, and spill readiness
Examination sources